A Lecture on the above subject was delivered on Monday, June 5, in Queen's Hall, Langham Place, London. The Earl of Dunmore, who presided, introduced the lecturer, who spoke as follows:—
Since coming to your shores I have been the recipient of many kinds of welcome, for which I am grateful, because they serve to draw closer the loving bonds of kinship, and enable us to realize that neither time nor distance can interpose barriers between those of the same language and lineage, between those who, however separated, can join in claiming the heritage of the same great deeds and the priceless blessing of liberty. Living under the same flag and bearing allegiance to the same beloved sovereign, I esteem it a privilege to be permitted to address my fellow-subjects on this side of the Atlantic, on Christian Science. You, above all others under the sun, have established a reputation for "fair play"—"British fair play"—a quality looked up to and respected the world over. I know that before me are men and women of intelligence, accustomed to investigate, criticise, and, if needs be, combat with finished skill any new doctrines or propositions that may be laid before them. Christian Scientists do not wish to avoid investigation, criticism, or combat, whenever conducted in a fair spirit. I am convinced I shall receive from you an attentive hearing and careful consideration of what I am about to say.
Before entering on my subject it may not be out of place to state why Mrs. Miller and I became Christian Scientists. About eleven years ago we were deprived by death of a beloved son. Up to within a few hours of his death we were assured by those representing the highest medical skill that he would recover. At this period we were members of an orthodox church, and sought, with broken hearts, such consolation as our religion could afford. It was preeminently unsatisfactory, and to all appearances it then looked as if we too would soon follow our son to the tomb. Fortunately, at this juncture we heard of Christian Science, and were enabled to learn, not theoretically as in the past, but practically, the truth that God is Life, and that death was an enemy to be overcome, not submitted to.
